DFW to Mount Rushmore

[bailiff]

Originally Posted by Olsenbum

Thank you! What should I do to educate myself for mountain driving? In Texas it's just put it in gear and go, lol

My #1 rule. Never come down faster than you went up. If your vehicle has a tow/haul mode or a compression brake, use it along with using the gears in the transmission, up and down.

[Tom3205]

You will not be able to drive "big rigs" on the needles hwy. They may not fit thru the tunnels, or make the tight turns. Keep that in mind.

[bsjulestad]

We are making that trip in August from Mansfield TX. This will be our 3rd time and we always stay at Rafter J Bar Ranch.

[jtovo]

Always come down the mountain in the same gear you go up, I put the trans into 4th gear on anything 6- percent grade or less on a stepper grade I slow down & use 3rd. Try to keep the climb at 1700-2100 rpm & the downhill 1700 or less.
Keep your engine brake engaged on the downhill, turn it off on the climb.
Im sure your going to hear other suggestions, this is just what I do & I drove a semi for 35 years before retiring.